Tornado Protection Shelter

ABSTRACT

A weather protection system designed to protect people and buildings during meteorological events such as a tornado by retracting and securing a building into the ground.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of shelters. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to in-ground shelters whicheither can be installed in new construction or can be retrofit and wouldprovide substantially more protection for people, possessions, and homesfrom disasters, such as tornados, than current available options.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tornados are dangerous meteorological events that can occur anywhere inNorth America and have been observed on all continents, exceptAntarctica. These storms can be devastating to life and property. Whileefforts have been made to improve detection, nothing like the detectionsystems available for hurricanes, which allow people to evacuatedangerous areas, exists. Often people have merely minutes of warning.This means that when a tornado, or other wind storm, occurs, people mustutilize the structures available to them. This is especially true in theso-called Tornado Alley of the United States where about 8 tornadosoccur every 10,000 square miles each year.

Current protection relies primarily on use of basements or interiorrooms without windows. Tornado shelters, which are typically windowlessshelters built into the ground, can be built on people's property or inconjunction with their house. Many of the current options involveimprovements to entrances to shelters such as how they open and reducingthe vertical components. Shelters of this type can be difficult or evenunsafe to leave after a tornado depending on how the shelter opens andhow debris has fallen. These shelters need to be stocked regularly withup to date food, water, and medical supplies. These shelters do nothingto protect property, except for items that individuals may bring withthem. Due to the limited use, many of these do not have utilities suchas lighting, running water, plumbing, or electricity. Furthermore, ifthe entrance to a shelter is outside of the house, people will need torisk going outside to reach the shelter

Some above ground shelters have been designed primarily to work with thewind patterns by having dome shaped buildings and reducing verticalsides. These structures do not allow for freedom of style inarchitecture, create issues regarding internal space, and most furnitureis not designed with curved walls in mind, especially curved walls witha non-standard degree of curvature.

Tornados are exceptionally dangerous to life, but they are alsodangerous to real property, personal property, and items withsentimental value. Settling insurance claims can be a lengthy processwhile individuals are left without shelter.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

There is therefore a need for tornado protection home design that allowsfor maximal protection of lives and property.

The present invention relates to a tornado protection home design thatcan be implemented with new homes, or potentially retrofitted for olderhomes.

In an embodiment of the invention, a home is lowered into the groundduring a tornado warning such that the edge of the roof becomes flushwith the ground. A lower concrete structure of walls and floor isconstructed beneath the building with an interior open volume sufficientfor the building to retract into. Additional vertical space may beneeded, depending on the embodiment, if the user intends to storecontrols or other elements beneath the building at all times. In thissubstructure are telescopic jack assemblies that allow control thelowering and raising of the structure. The substructure may contain thejack controls, electrical controls, stairway, generator and access tothe emergency exit.

The aforementioned staircase provides ingress and egress from thesubstructure. In a preferred embodiment it is a spiral, which can bepurchased or designed. When the building is raised it provides access tothe substructure. When the building is lowered around it, it providesaccess to an escape hatch. Surrounding the stairway may be a clearPlexiglas tube that is open below in two places.

Utility hookups can be designed to travel with the building structure.

A tornado warning system may be included.

This protects the structure of the building, the property inside, andthe people. Also the people can remain safe while in the comfort oftheir home during a storm. Up to date food, water, and medical suppliesare more likely to be in supply already. Electricity, running water, andplumbing will be available so long as it would be generally available.Dangers from debris are also averted. Debris will not fall into an opendoor and the chance of being trapped is far less significant. If thebuilding does need to remain lowered for any significant time period,not only will the people inside have access to the complete interior oftheir home, but it will be much easier for rescuers to see a loweredbuilding than a covered shelter entrance.

Because the roof is the only portion of the building exposed it is theonly portion that needs to be configured to specifically withstand thewinds. This differs from a typical above ground structure that requiresthe entire surface area to be able to withstand the winds by combingheavy materials, exceptionally strong materials, and specially shapedmaterials. Although there are many options for the roofing materials, arecommended embodiment uses materials and designs similar to theexterior of an airplane.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the featuresin accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is notintended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely bythe claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention, in accordance with one or more variousembodiments, is described in detail with reference to the followingfigures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only andmerely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. Thesedrawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of theinvention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, orapplicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity andease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments ofthe invention from different viewing angles. Although the accompanyingdescriptive text may refer to such views as “top,” “bottom” or “side”views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply orrequire that the invention be implemented or used in a particularspatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

FIG. 1 is front view of an extended embodiment of the invention with theinterior visible.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of an extended embodiment of the inventionwith the interior visible.

FIG. 3 is side view of an extended embodiment of the invention with theinterior visible.

FIG. 4 is front view of an extended embodiment of the invention with theinterior visible.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the locking mechanisms.

FIG. 6 is front view of a retracted embodiment of the invention with theinterior visible.

FIG. 7 is front view of a retracted embodiment of the invention with theinterior visible.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of a retracted embodiment of the inventionwith the interior visible.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 are close up schematics of the down spout,electrical box, pressure switch, and shield respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

From time-to-time, the present invention is described herein in terms ofexample environments. Description in terms of these environments isprovided to allow the various features and embodiments of the inventionto be portrayed in the context of an exemplary application. Afterreading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art how the invention can be implemented in different andalternative environments.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, applications,published applications and other publications referred to herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forthin this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with adefinition set forth in applications, published applications and otherpublications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definitionset forth in this document prevails over the definition that isincorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 1 is front view of an extended embodiment of the invention with theinterior visible and FIG. 2 is perspective view of an extendedembodiment of the invention with the interior visible. FIGS. 1 and 2show the raised building and substructure assembly 100. The building 110has a roof 130. The roof 130 in this embodiment is low and tapered. Aroof 130 may have a conical shape.

The substructure 120 has support walls 140 that in this embodiment aremade of concrete. In the substructure 120 are the jack assemblies 150.In this embodiment the jack assemblies are telescopic andelectromagnetic. The jack assemblies are capable of lifting up to 40kips (40,000 lbs) each in unison. They are also electrically drivenlimiting the need for hydraulic or pneumatic hardware to operate them.The electromagnetic drives operate by magnetic forces that are held inplace when the electric current is turned off. The exact number of jackassemblies 150 will differ depending on the load of the building 110.Though not required, it is suggested that each jack assembly 150 have arated capacity of two (2) times the working load.

Around the upper edge of the substructure 120, and surrounding thebuilding 110 at ground level is a rubber seal 220.

Optional placement of dowel rods may be fitted into sockets 122 locatedsuch that the dowels would extend out from the walls at the lowest pointthat building 110 will reach within the substructure 120.

In this embodiment of the invention the building 110 has lockingmechanism 190 at the corners. It also has a channel 162 that allows auser to travel via a spiral staircase 160 to the substructure 120. Inthe substructure are electric controls 200, jack controls 210, and anexit door 172 that leads to a ladder 170 and exit hatch 180. Anotherexit hatch 180 is located on the roof 130 for use via the spiralstaircase 160 when the building 110 is retracted into the substructure120.

FIG. 3 is side view of an extended embodiment of the invention with theinterior visible. From this view the standard utility hookups 300 can beseen. In this embodiment a stand 310 is used to festoon the length ofthe hookups 300. When the building 110 is lowered, the remaining lengthof the hookups 300 between the stand 310 and the building 110, will belowered as well without the lower festoon 312 remaining in place. Inother embodiments reels or pulleys may be used. The standard hookups 30include fluid lines and can be connected to a septic system and pump.

FIG. 4 is front view of an extended embodiment of the invention with theinterior visible. In this embodiment of the raised building andsubstructure assembly 100 there are removable drain spouts 400 near theground 430. These are useful when it rains during normal inclementweather and the lowering features are not in effect. In one embodimentthe drain spouts 400 are removable, while in another the drain spouts400 are attached with a spring structure that allows the drain spouts400 the mobility to rotate as the building 110 is lowered into thesubstructure 120. This mobility is further explored in FIG. 9. Drainspouts 400 may have built on screens.

In an embodiment the downspouts leading to the drain spouts 400 areinternal to the building 110. The drain spouts 400 may rotate and shutoff this opening. When this opening is blocked by any means, the wateris forced up to the surface and flows over the upper surface ground 430.The rotation functions as a valve and is cylindrical similar to a faucetvalve. PTFT seals may be used inside and outside of the rotation pointon the downspouts and drain spouts 400.

In another embodiment the drain spouts 400, being removable, have theopenings covered by a locking mechanism as described in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the locking mechanisms. When thebuilding 110 is raised on the jack assemblies 150 above ground level,locking mechanisms 190, which can be magnetic lids, may be detached fromthe building 110 to the top of the concrete walls 140 to allow the drainspouts 400 to be put in place. In one embodiment the magnetic lids aremade of durable plastic with magnetic portions. The magnetic lids canprotect the rubber seal 220, optionally formed from neoprene rubber,from the sun light and other debris that could impede the sealing of thehouse from water entering.

FIG. 6 is front view of a retracted embodiment of the invention with theinterior visible. This is an embodiment of the lowered building andsubstructure assembly 102. The jack assemblies 150 can be seentelescopically retracted. The roof 130 rests on the rubber seal 220 inthe cavity 222 at ground 430 level. The spiral staircase 160 extendsthrough the channel 162. An audio and visual warning system can be inplace.

This embodiment also shows how the remaining space in the substructure120 allows room for the retracted jack assemblies 150, a back-upgenerator 450, electric controls 200, jack controls 210, and an exitdoor 172 that leads to both a ladder 170 and electric box 420. The roofmay house jack pressure switches 440 as a feedback mechanism. The loadcells for the jack assemblies 150 are not visible, but are locatedwithin the jack assemblies 150 between the portion attached to thebottom of the substructure and the lower top plate of the jackassemblies 150.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are front and perspective views of a retracted embodimentof the invention with the interior visible. These embodiments are of thelowered building and substructure assembly 102. The jack assemblies 150can be seen telescopically retracted. The roof 130 rests on the rubberseal 220 in the cavity 222. The spiral staircase 160 extends through thechannel 162.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 are close up schematics of the lockingmechanism, electrical box, pressure switch 440, and shield respectively.

In one embodiment the locking mechanism 190 are attached with a springstructure that allows the locking mechanism 190 the mobility to rotateas the building 110 is lowered into the substructure.

The electric box 420 and ladder 170 are behind an exit door 172 suchthat individuals may still ingress or egress while the structure islowered.

The pressure switch 440 in this embodiment is mounted inside a threadedhousing, which allows for adjustment. Tubing 442 runs from the pressureswitch 440 to the jack assemblies 150. In this embodiment the wiringruns through the concrete wall of the substructure 120.

A locking mechanism 190 may rotate. FIG. 9 and FIG. 12 show more aboutthis. FIG. 9 shows how the locking mechanism may rotate between manypositions including 190 a and 190 b, while FIG. 12 shows a shield 410the may help enable rotation of the locking mechanism 190.

In various embodiments of the invention additional elements addadditional protections. Roller stabilizer assemblies may be included ateach corner of the substructure. These help protect the walls of thebuilding as it lowers, provides stability, and provides shock protectionfrom any variety of natural disasters. At the ground level (or top) ofthe substructure there can be a rubber seal that the roof affixes towhen lowered. This would prevent water or wind from entering the gap.

A shock isolation system around and attached to the substructure 120 maybe made of foam blocks. The weight of the blocks will depend on thelocation site for earthquakes.

A one-story house has been used in these drawings, but the above groundstructure could be any type of building or shelter.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams maydepict an example architectural or other configuration for theinvention, which is done to aid in understanding the features andfunctionality that can be included in the invention. The invention isnot restricted to the illustrated example architectures orconfigurations, but the desired features can be implemented using avariety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it willbe apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional,logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implementedto implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, amultitude of different constituent module names other than thosedepicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally,with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and methodclaims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall notmandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recitedfunctionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplaryembodiments and implementations, it should be understood that thevarious features, aspects and functionality described in one or more ofthe individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to theparticular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can beapplied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments aredescribed and whether or not such features are presented as being a partof a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the presentinvention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplaryembodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read asrequiring that each and every one of those items be present in thegrouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or”should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, butrather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of theinvention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural iscontemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to thesingular is explicitly stated.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterm “module” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in asingle package or separately maintained and can further be distributedacross multiple locations.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

What is claimed is:
 1. The device, method, and process as described inthe specification.